Finnish Study Highlights Concerns
Family First National Director Lyle Shelton announced his intention to push for a government-funded inquiry in New South Wales. This inquiry would focus on the long-term effects of gender-affirming care for children and young people. His call to action follows a significant Finnish study that raised serious concerns about mental health outcomes related to medicalised gender interventions.n
The study, published in Acta Paediatrica, revealed alarming statistics. Over 60 per cent of young individuals who underwent gender-related medical treatment required specialist psychiatric care more than two years later. In contrast, only 14.6 per cent of their peers needed similar care. Shelton emphasised the urgency of examining these findings locally.n
Highlighting its importance, Shelton stated, “This study is significant because it used comprehensive national data to track patients over time, which addresses limitations seen in previous research. This is not anecdotal evidence, this is population-level data spanning decades.”n
Call for Local Investigationn
The Finnish study’s findings should, according to Shelton, act as a catalyst for Australian authorities to conduct a local investigation. Countries like Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have already tightened restrictions on such treatments. New South Wales, he argued, must not follow activist-led models blindly when credible international evidence raises red flags.n
“If elected, Family First will seek funding for an independent, evidence-based NSW inquiry to examine the long-term physical and mental health outcomes of children subjected to puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical interventions,” Shelton declared.n
In addition to investigating these medical treatments, Shelton stressed the importance of transparency and patient safety. He advocated for alternative therapeutic approaches that address underlying psychological issues. “We need to ensure that vulnerable young people receive compassionate care that addresses underlying psychological issues, rather than being fast-tracked into irreversible medical treatments,” Shelton remarked.n
Shelton’s proposal for a New South Wales study aims to provide families, clinicians, and policymakers with robust local data. He emphasised, “This is about putting the wellbeing of children ahead of ideology.” An inquiry would prioritise patient safety, transparency, and the exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches.n
Meanwhile, Shelton pointed out that the Finnish study found psychological distress often predated a gender dysphoria diagnosis and intensified post-medical intervention. This underscores the need for a thorough local examination. “We cannot ignore these findings,” Shelton insisted, “New South Wales should lead the way in ensuring that our youth receive the most appropriate care.”
